The European Union's Role in International Economic Fora : The G20

This paper provides factual background information about the G20, the EU’s role and representation therein, its accountability as well as the coordination and impact thereof. The G20 has played a key role in measures taken to overcome the economic and financial crisis and promoted rules to prevent a repetition of such a crisis. The high compliance rate of the EU in implemen¬ting these commitments highlights the importance of the legally non-binding G20 commit-ments. Yet, the G20 is an informal international body where executives from officials’ up to leaders’ level meet. As a body G20 lacks meaningful accountability mechanisms. Moreover the EU can hardly be held to account for its action at the G20 level. This study provides a thorough analysis of the G20 and EU’s action at the G20 level. It sets out the EU legal framework for the participation of the EU and its Member States in the G20. In applying a two-tier accountability framework it identifies accountability gaps and concludes with policy recommendations.

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